24.10.2025 21:41
In the third week of the UEFA Europa League, Roma lost 2-1 at home to Viktoria Plzen. The decisions made by referee Halil Umut Meler received significant backlash from the Italian press. Meanwhile, Zeki Çelik, who plays for Roma, received his first yellow card of the season under the management of Halil Umut Meler.
In the 3rd week of the UEFA Europa League, Roma hosted the Czech team Viktoria Plzen at the Olympic Stadium. Roma left the match with a 2-1 defeat, while there was a strong reaction from Italy towards the referee Halil Umut Meler.
''THE REASON IS CLEAR''
In a report by Corriere dello Sport, the headline stated, "Referee Halil Umut Meler is no longer officiating in the Champions League, and the reason is clear." The report continued by mentioning that Meler remained indifferent to the penalty situation, stating, "In Pisilli's header, the ball hits Jemelka's quite exposed left arm; this is a punishable position. Referee Meler notices nothing, and the number one assistant referee Özkara, who sees the situation from the front, also does not react. The Swiss VAR referee San calls Meler to the OFR (on-field review monitor): Penalty."
ZEKI ÇELİK RECEIVED A YELLOW CARD FOR THE FIRST TIME
On the other hand, national football player Zeki Çelik, who wears the jersey of Roma, experienced this for the first time with Halil Umut Meler this season. The national player received his first yellow card in the 9th match he played this season.